The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is a contract that allows organizations to purchase Microsoft software licenses at discounted prices. The agreement is designed for businesses with 500 or more employees, which need to manage multiple software licenses across their organization. In this article, we will discuss the purchase process of the Microsoft Enterprise Agreement.
Step 1: Choose the Right Program
Microsoft offers three types of enterprise agreement programs: Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA), Microsoft Enterprise Subscription Agreement (EAS), and Microsoft Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES). Each program has different licensing terms and conditions, so it`s important to choose the one that best suits your organization`s needs.
Step 2: Select the Products and Licenses
Once you have chosen the right program, you need to select the products and licenses that your organization requires. You can choose from a range of Microsoft products such as Windows, Office, SharePoint, SQL Server, and Exchange Server, among others. When selecting licenses, consider factors such as the number of users, device types, and required products.
Step 3: Determine the Number of Licenses
After selecting the products and licenses, you need to determine the number of licenses required for your organization. The number of licenses is based on the number of users or devices that will access the software. Microsoft uses the Enterprise Product Use Rights (PUR) document to determine the licensing requirements.
Step 4: Negotiate the Agreement
The next step is to negotiate the terms of the agreement with Microsoft or a Microsoft reseller. The agreement terms cover the number of licenses, pricing, payment terms, and other relevant terms and conditions.
Step 5: Sign the Agreement
Once you have negotiated the agreement terms, you need to sign the agreement. The agreement is binding, and you must comply with the terms and conditions.
Step 6: Manage the Agreement
After signing the agreement, you need to manage the licenses and ensure compliance with the terms and conditions. Microsoft offers tools such as the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) and the Software Assurance Manager (SAM) to help you manage your licenses and software assets.
Conclusion
The Microsoft Enterprise Agreement is an excellent way for organizations to manage their software licenses effectively. By following the purchase process outlined above, you can ensure that your organization purchases the right licenses at the right price and manages them effectively. Remember to choose the right program, select the right products and licenses, negotiate the agreement terms, sign the agreement, and manage the agreement effectively.